Force density ratios of flexible borders to membrane in tension fabric structures

Architectural fabrics membranes have not only the structural performance but also act as an efficient cladding to cover large areas. Because of the direct relationship between form and force distribution in tension membrane structures, form-finding procedure is an important issue. Ideally, once the optimal form is found, a uniform pre-stressing is applied to the fabric which takes the form of a minimal surface. The force density method is one of the most efficient computational form-finding techniques to solve the initial equilibrium equations. In this method, the force density ratios of the borders to the membrane is the main parameter for shape-finding. In fact, the shape is evolved and improved with the help of the stress state that is combined with the desired boundary conditions. This paper is evaluated the optimum amount of this ratio considering the curvature of the flexible boarders for structural configurations, i.e., hypar and conic membranes. Results of this study can be used (in the absence of the guidelines) for the fast and optimal design of fabric structures.